Uses
What is Laser Hair removal?
Laser light at a specific wavelength is applied to the skin surface and absorbed by the hair down to the follicle which is responsible for the proteins that cause hair growth.
By damaging the ability to grow hair this reduces the amount that comes to the surface over time.
How Does Laser work
The specific wavelength used has the ability to connect with the pigmentation in the hair and causes heat to build up and this is what damages the proteins. The energy must penetrate skin deep enough to reach the follicle without damaging the skins surface. Hair removal is best suited to dark hair and lighter skins to reduce the effect on skin pigmentation.
There are some lasers that are safer for darker skins than others and your practitioner can advise on this..
What type of laser is used?
The main lasers used for hair removal are:
- Ruby Laser
- Alexandrite
- Long pulsed Nd: YAG
- Diode Laser
- Also Intense Pulsed Light ( IPL) can be used with it’s hair removal filter used
Preparation and Aftercare
Patch test
For safety reasons, most insurance companies require a patch test to be completed ahead of the first procedure. We undertake this 24-48 hours ahead of a full treatment
The reason for this is to ascertain your skin type and expected reaction to the main treatment.
The site chosen for this is close to the proposed site of the main treatment, but inconspicuous.
3 different energy levels are used to enable the practitioner to determine the most effective setting that is also safe for your skin and to discover your comfort level and best skin reaction.
There will be some reddening at the site for a few hours, which is normal.
Preparation
Prior to your appointment the area to be treated should be shaved. ( this prevents burning of the skin surface when melanin absorbs heat) this is best done with an electric trimmer or disposable razor
After Shaving it is best to cleanse the area to remove any residual hairs
No plucking or waxing or hair removal creams must be used for up to 4 weeks.
What happens during treatment?
The skin is cleansed by the practitioner and any moles or skin tags on the area covered.
The practitioner may work in small sections at a time. The handset is then applied to the skin and a shot fired. You will both be wearing safety glasses.
At the time the shot is fired you will feel some heat enter the tissue. This is mild and does not persist. Some clients have described it as if an elastic band were to be flicked against the skin, others like a pinprick, or compared to a waxing. It is momentary.
The practitioner will continue to cover the area until complete.
The gel will be removed and usually some cooling gel such as Aloe Vera or similar will be applied.
Aftercare
After the treatment the area will look a little reddened and occasionally slightly swollen, this will resolve in a few hours.
As the day goes on you may notice some of the hairs start to rise out of the follicle. This is normal.
Over the coming weeks growth will reduce as it will with repeated treatments.
How many treatments are needed?
Typically 4-6 depending on the area, sometimes more. These are usually spaced apart 4- 6 weeks.
Risks of Laser Hair Removal
Some medical conditions and skin types are contraindicated, and your practitioner will undertake a full health screen consultation ahead of the treatment and a patch test to ascertain the best energy level
Your practitioner will undertake an assessment prior to your appointment and often a test patch using 2-3 different energy levels will be performed to ascertain the skin’s likely response. This is usually in an inconspicuous area close to the targeted area.
Common side effects which resolve in hours or days include:
- Reddening of the skin
- Swelling of the skin
- Itching
- Raised bumps
Uncommon/rare side effects which may take longer to recover or need attention include:
- Blistering
- Pigmentation changes ( temporary increase or decrease)
- Scarring
- Allergic reaction to cream/products applied to the skin
- Infection
FAQs
What areas can be treated?
Laser can be used on multiple areas. Most commonly Back, arms, chest, legs, under arm and bikini areas, although small areas such as fingers, toes and face can also be treated.
Will laser remove my hair permanently?
Because not all hairs are in growth phase at any one time and connected to the follicle, it is recommended that a series of treatments.
Laser hair removal is deemed to be permanent hair reduction
How many sessions does it take to remove hair?
Between 3 -8 depending on the type of hair and location. Depending on the area to be treated, the time of sessions is relatively short and ranges from 15-45 minutes per session.
How long is there between each session?
Usually 4-6 week intervals
Is laser hair removal safe on darker skins?
Yes, and No is the answer. As the pigmentation is the “magnet” for the laser any laser that is looking to connect with melanin ( the pigment molecule) there is a risk of alteration in skin tone.
Some lasers are able to pulse in a specialised way that reduces this risk, and your practitioner will select the appropriate device based on your skin tone.
As the hair follicle is beneath the skin’s natural pigmentation layer, it is contraindicated for some darker skins as it may temporarily or permanently reduce or increase pigmentation in the skin too.
The 2 safest lasers for darker skins are usually the Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG and Diode laser
Silvery Blue
What makes us unique?
Silvery Blue aims to reshape the healthcare and aesthetic industry with innovative ideas & technologies while preserving the essence of natural health and well being of human being. Our strategy is to empower medical and aesthetic professionals around the globe with a holistic approach to treatment and care. We provide a complete one stop solution from training, treatment, equipment supply, product delivery to quality control and compliance; all under one umbrella – “Silvery Blue”.
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